Neighbors, With our second deadline for passing bills behind us and our third deadline next week, committee work is largely concluding, and most of our legislative action going forward will take place on the House floor. This week, many of our committees rolled out their budget bills as our two-year state budget continues to take shape. The committees on which I serve were among those hearing budget bills. I serve as vice chair of the Human Services Policy Committee and the policy bill is now part of the Human Services Finance Committee for passage to the House floor. Likewise, the Judiciary, Agriculture and Elections committees on which I serve are also working on their budget bills. After our Passover/Easter break, House floor votes will begin. On the House floor yesterday, the Minnesota House passed legislation I co-authored to repeal the requirement type III public school vehicles, such as minivans and cars, be retired once they reach a certain age. Current state law requires these vehicles to be retired once they are 12 years old, regardless of if they are still in safe working order. There is no reason to replace these working vehicles based on their age only and this was one thing we could do to help with their budget planning. The Community and the CapitolVeterans from throughout the state traveled to the Capitol on Thursday for Veterans Day on the Hill. At a Capitol Rotunda rally, Governor Walz addressed retired, prior service, military families, and supporters of our men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. I thank all the veterans who made their way to the Capitol and stopped by my office. Your brave service is appreciated and honored.  It is always so great to see our visitors from our area come up to the Capitol. This week, many local visitors traveled to Saint Paul. AFSCME local 404 advocated for paid family medical leave, safe working conditions, investments in Minnesota’s infrastructure, pensions, and more. During Disability Services Day on the Hill, various local groups shared concerns about issues important to them. Also, Senator Frentz and I met with leaders from Skyline to hear about their needs and requests. And, finally this week, it was great to welcome Mankato East student Adam Wedzina who was serving as a High School Page.  Center for Rural Behavioral Health Advocate of the Year AwardRecently, the Center for Rural Behavioral Health asked me to present their Advocate of the Year award to the Mankato Free Press. The Minnesota House was in floor session until early in the morning, and I was not able to present the award in person, but my remarks were read at the event. Congratulations to the Mankato Free Press for your insightful articles covering the work of this excellent organization and support of mental health! Stay Connected with the LegislatureThe Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here. I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn.gov or call me at (651) 296-3248. Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates. Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature. Sincerely, Luke Frederick State Representative |